Blog Archives

Meeting My First Little Fan

8/28/2013

I have some super exciting news today! This past weekend, I met my very first little fan! It was a feeling that is out of this world!
I was going into the local grocery store and there was a girl there with her sister and mother leaving the store. The girl looked at me as if she knew me, but wasn't sure. I didn't recognize her. I thought maybe she knew me from when I used to substitute teach. She hesitantly waved at me. I waved back. Then, I went into the store.
I thought nothing of it and went about my shopping. Well, after a while the girl, her sister, and her mother were back in the store and had found me. The mother asked if I was Jodi Desautels. I said "yes." And... then she introduced me to her daughter. Come to find out... the daughter had checked my book, "Clarinda Cloud," out of the local library.
What a cool experience! I look forward to seeing them again!

Note: I have also been recently interviewed on another blog. This time it is by Adele Crouch. You can find the interview of me here. Or, if you want to type in the url, it is *http://creationsbycrouch.wordpress.com/2013/08/27/author-jodi-desautels/. Please check out the interview and explore Adele's site. Thank you.

2 Comments

Illustrating Practice

8/21/2013

4 Comments

Hi. I hope everyone is well! I have been trying to practice my illustrating skills. I have been doing various tasks just to practice; anything from making posters like the one pictured to drawing objects or creating backgrounds.
When I first started writing, years ago, I didn't have a clue as to everything that was involved in writing. However, in my defense, things have changed quite a bit since then.
The up and coming movement in writing seems to be indie authoring. So, for a children's author, such as myself, it means many more things fall on the author to get accomplished for before publication takes place. Indie authors make sure that their books are illustrated, their covers are created, and their manuscripts are edited and formatted.
That is one of the reasons I have been practicing. I want to be able to illustrate more of my stories. I also hope to use some of my illustrations for some of my educational adventures!

4 Comments

Writing, Talents, and Dreams

8/14/2013

2 Comments

The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Hi. Do you ever say, "I want to write," but then when it comes down to doing it, drag your feet?
Ugh! I have done that many times. When I was a child writing for teachers, I didn't much care for writing. Even today, I don't like writing research papers or scientific reports.... or anything of the sort. Yet, I do like to write. I write many things... little notes to my husband, grocery lists, to do lists, lessons, blogs, children's books, etc. It seems like I am always writing something.
I feel bad for holding myself back now. I am not a well-known author... YET! But... I have got much farther than I ever thought possible. I am enjoying it. It is a great experience.
And, I have met some very nice people along the way. I have found that the encouragement and camaraderie has been invaluable.
I think that many people have a fear of writing...like I did. It wasn't so much that there is a fear of putting pen to paper or fingers to computer keys....but more of a fear of "not getting it right," or "not getting anyone to buy your book," or "not having anything interesting enough to write about." The list could go on and on.
Yet, the yearning is still there. That is because, people are born with a talent...but sometimes afraid to try it...or don't even know that they have it...or even have an interest. I agree with the quote above. You do find happiness when you use your true talents.
I think it is often low self-esteem or lack of self-confidence that keeps us from knowing ourselves and our talents. Yet, both of those things can be unlearned, just as they can be learned. That is why I feel so blessed to have met the people who have helped me to begin to explore my potential.
With that being said, I like to encourage people. I always have enjoyed helping people. And...with that... I am thinking about offering a writing class or program.
I would love to hear your ideas and feedback. What would you look for if you were to look for a writing class or program?

2 Comments

A Little About Me and My Progress 8/7/13

8/7/2013

1 Comment

Hello! I hope everyone is well. This week, I don't have any interviews or book reviews for you. Well, it isn't that I have any. It is more that I thought that I would share a little about me and my writing. I think it is cool to share a little. I hope that you all take the time to comment.
First of all, I didn't like to write much as a child. I don't remember why I didn't. Maybe it was a low self-esteem and the feeling that I didn't have much to say. Or, maybe it was that most of the feedback was general and not specific, so I didn't know if it was good writing or not.
"Very good" or "Nice work" is not specific. Sometimes it feels good at the time. But, it doesn't tell you why it is good or how to continue.
Now, I enjoy writing and creating! I find the writing community very supportive. I also ask for and receive more specific feedback.
Currently, I am working on two other books about feelings. They are similar to "Clarinda Cloud." Who knows? Maybe I will have an entire line of books about feelings. I have had a few beta readers read the two first drafts with some positive feedback.

The other thing that has been keeping me busy is my educational site, DUO Education. Education, as well as writing and creating, is one of my passions!
Not long ago, I told you that I got myself a Bamboo tablet. Well, I have been practicing with it. I have drawn some simple objects. The more I practice with it, the more comfortable I feel with it. (Drawing is something I enjoyed as a child. But, until this year, I hadn't drawn in quite a while.) I look forward to practicing more with it and improving my illustrating skills.
I hope you will hop over and explore the site. I have some educational and strategy games in "the game room," an educational blog, an online tutoring page, and a page for the Storyteller's Tale webinar series. The latter is a great program for authors and illustrators to have an author visit via the internet.

Now I need your help. I have some questions for you:

1. Not that I don't have my own ideas, but... what are some subjects about which your children would like to read?

2. What kinds of books would you like to see more of?

3. What sort of marketing ideas do you have to share?

4. What sort of activity books would you like to see?

5. Do you have an author or illustrator that you would like to see interviewed? Or, is there an author or illustrator that you would like to see virtually visit your school or library?

I look forward to your answers. Please feel free to contact me or to leave a comment. Thank you!

1 Comment

Meeting My First Little Fan

Illustrating Practice

Writing, Talents, and Dreams

A Little About Me and My Progress 8/7/13

Jodi Desautels

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Jodi Desautels… bringing you books that are inspirational, educational, and relatable!